Larbert teacher ditches 10 stone

Kirsty Beaton

Super slimmer Elaine McTurk has lost 10 stone, but says the biggest change has been the smile on her face.

The 30-year-old food and consumer technology teacher shed 140 lbs in the space of just 12 months, going from almost 25 stone, to 14 11 lb today.

Elaine was spurred into taking action after seeing an unflattering photo and deciding she had to claim her life back.

Elaine, a teacher at Larbert High School said: “I was totally miserable this time last year. I didn’t want to go out, I could hardly walk without getting out of breath and I was seriously worried for my health.

“I decided I needed help, but going to the gym was too daunting.”

Elaine contacted Polmont-based personal trainer Joe Curry from Proactive Fitness. He overhauled her eating, started a gentle workout plan and helped her reach her target of losing 10 stones in a year.

Joe said: “Elaine has been incredible, she’s stuck to her eating and gets in a workout every single day. She’s been incredibly dedicated and today she is like a new woman.”

Now Elaine jogs and hill climbs and going clothes shopping is no longer a nightmare.

“I feel like I’ve got my life back, I have so much more energy now I’m not carrying around 10 stone of extra weight.

“My pupils have been so supportive. I used to feel silly, talking about healthy eating when I clearly didn’t follow it but now I share my story with the kids, I hope that talking about my journey will stop them from ending up in my position.”

Elaine, who is married to John and lives in Alva, is still eating healthily and working with Joe and she hopes to lose a further four stones.

“I’ve battled for my weight for a long, long time but the answer isn’t diets or quick fixes. It’s long term changes and committing to eating well and moving as much as you can.

“I’ll never go back, I’m too happy to allow myself to become that person ever again.”